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Service Academy Nominations - FAQ

Frequently asked questions for those seeking a U.S. Service Academy nomination. An appointment to a US service academy is a distinct and rare honor and requires at least a nine-year service obligation, including four years at an academy and five years of active duty service. Selections are evaluated on character, scholarship, leadership, and physical aptitude. If you're ready to apply, you may click here to fill out a Service Academy Nomination Application.

What is a nomination?

Members of Congress may nominate applicants who meet the eligibility requirements established by law. A candidate may seek a nomination from the following:

A member of the U.S. House of Representatives who represents the congressional district in which the candidate resides

Both U.S. Senators from his or her state

Apply directly to the Vice-President of the United States

What are the basic eligibility requirements?

Each applicant for a nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission to an academy:

Age: Be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen

Marital Status: Must be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents

Residence: Must reside within the boundaries of the 14th Congressional District of Illinois.

Skill / Fitness: Must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy.

Who do I contact to request an application?

The U.S. Service Academy Nomination Form is available on my website. Please return this form to my District Office via mail or e-mail.

What must be included in my nomination file?

American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results. *Please note that official transcripts from the testing center are not necessary.

A minimum of two letters of recommendation

What happens after I have completed my nomination file?

Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be scheduled for an interview in early December.

What criteria is used in selecting candidates?

Nominations are based on a "whole person" evaluation. Factors such as academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, leadership skills, physical aptitude, character and motivation are taken into consideration and compared with other applicants.

Are the requirements the same for all of the service academies?

No. Although many of the qualifications are similar, each academy operates under its own admissions guidelines. Visit the academy of your choice via the websites noted for each academy's particular admissions qualifications. It is not necessary to seek a nomination to the Coast Guard Academy, as the U.S.C.G.A. accepts candidates based on their own testing criteria.

Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?

Some of the people applicants typically seek recommendations from include:

Teachers

Counselors

Employers

Coaches

Clergy

Scout Leaders

I do not require a specific recommendation form. A letter of recommendation is sufficient.

Will I automatically be selected by the academy after I receive a nomination?

No. You will be placed among a select group of nominees, and the academy of your choice will make the final decision. If selected, you will receive an offer of admission (an appointment) directly from the academy.

What if I choose more than one academy? Will I be limited to a single nomination?

No. You can be nominated to multiple academies depending on how well you have competed among this year's pool of candidates. It is also possible to win multiple appointments.

When will I know if I have been offered an appointment by an academy?

Academies will begin to notify candidates of their admission status in February. All offers of appointment are generally sent out by May.

My question was not answered, who do I contact for more information?

For have further questions about academy nominations, please contact Carol Berger in my Campton Hills office at 630-584-2734.